Source: Liberian Observer
Two of Liberia's prominent women have joined some of Africa's highly influential women to inaugurate a new women's movement on the continent.
Montserrado County Senator Geraldine Doe-Sheriff and Paynesville City Mayor Cyvette M. Gibson represented the women of Liberia at a meeting to promote the election of more women to positions in their respective countries on the continent.
The meeting took place in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, starting October 8, was attended by Dr. Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi, Madam Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, former First Lady of Ghana, and Senator Binta Masi Garba of Nigeria.
According to Mayor Gibson, she and Senator Doe-Sheriff took part in the discussion that highlighted issues affecting women's participation in politics and government. The issues discussed focused on empowering African Women to excel in various aspects of their lives, including their participation in politics.
The event was organized by Forum Solutions Limited, a Ghanaian-owned company, under the theme, "Re-Defining the Rules of Engagement for Gender Equality," and it brought together policy makers, CEOs, Legislators, Entrepreneurs, Politicians, Doctors, Attorneys, Bankers and Gender Activists.
Participants explored ways to advance women leadership in Africa.
Dr. Banda, who was the Guest of Honor, officially launched the "Elect Her In Africa" (EHIA), an organization dedicated to encouraging women to run for elected office in Africa and to encourage governments to appoint more women to various positions. It is an initiative of the Joyce Banda Foundation and Africa Union/Diaspora Africa Forum.
More African women are now seeking to be elected to high governmental posts following President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's election as Africa's first democratically elected female President.
The Liberian leader, who has now become a role model for African women, is invited around the world to speak at numerous international conferences.